Hina Khan Fights Stage 3 Breast Cancer: Doctor's Advice On Survival & Prevention | Exclusive

Popular TV personality Hina Khan recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. The actor, known for starring in long-running TV serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, shared the news in a post on Instagram. In the past, Indian celebs like Tahira Kashyap, Sonali Bendre, Mahima Chaudhry and Mumtaz have fought and survived breast cancer.

After Hina's diagnosis with the illness, Republic reached out to - Dr Poonam Patil, Consultant- Medical Oncology, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bengaluru, who detailed how Stage III breast cancer can affect individuals, the rate of survival while battling it, treatment options and lifestyle tips to reduce its risk.

How common is breast cancer among women?

According to a report published by WHO in March 2024, Approximately 99% of breast cancer cases occur in women and 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 157 countries out of 185 in 2022.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumour. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, making early detection crucial.

Symptoms of breast cancer may include:

- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Redness or scaliness of the skin
- Nipple discharge or change in nipple position

What Stage III breast cancer means?

According to Dr Patil, Stage III breast cancer means that the cancer in the breast/s has either advanced locally to affect the chest wall or skin in the form of swelling ulceration or has also spread to the lymph nodes in the underarms on the same side. It is often known as loco regional disease and has not yet spread to distant organs

What are the risk factors involved with Stage III breast cancer?

There are no specific risk factors for stage III breast cancer. In general, breast cancer risk factors are unmodifiable factors such as increasing age, family history, early menarche, late menopause or could be modifiable such as obesity, physical activity, alcohol and tobacco consumption and diet.

Is Stage III breast cancer fatal?

Stage III breast cancer is not fatal but survival rates vary from person to person and depends on various factors such as type and grade of cancer, receptor status, type of therapy and response to the same and individual choices.  

Treatment options

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy depending on type of breast cancer are used as applicable for Stage III breast cancer

Lifestyle tips to reduce the risk of breast cancer

Dr PatiI recommends individuals to stop smoking, reduce consumption of alcohol, remain physically active with optimum weight and avoid obesity. Breast feed if possible and diet should be rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. If there is a family history, it is advised to get yourself checked for inherited risk factors.

What are the potential side effects of different treatments for Stage III breast cancer?

Treatment options are surgery, radiation, systemic therapy including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy. Side effects include:

- Surgery can cause change in appearance of breast/s and some scarring.  

- Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation and peeling of skin on the treatment site, change in feel and shape of the breast

- Chemotherapy can cause nausea and vomitting, fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, increased risk of infections and nerve irritation.

- Targeted therapies can cause fatigue, diarrhea, skin changes, heart issues such as reduced heart function or even liver irritation.

- Immunotherapy can cause fatigue, flu-like symptoms, hormone changes especially thyroid, skin rash, diarrhea or inflammation of lungs.

- Hormone therapy can cause hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness and decrease in bone health.

Are there clinical trials available for Stage III breast cancer treatment?

According to Dr Patil, there are many trials available for Stage III breast cancer treatment. Patients should talk to their treating oncologist to understand which clinical trials could be suitable for them.